Penn State Basketball: Pat Chambers Signs Four-Year Extension

Pat Chambers will continue his climb at Penn State for at least four more years according to a contract extension approved and announced by university on Thursday afternoon.

The Nittany Lions are coming off of the second most wins in program history and NIT Championship with a 26-13 record that saw Penn State come a few bumps in the road away from an NCAA Tournament appearance. Chambers was hired in 2011 and extended for the first time in 2015.

Terms of the deal will be made public according to Penn State. Previously they had not.

“Coach Chambers has demonstrated tremendous vision and determination in building a strong foundation for our men’s basketball program,” Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said in a release. “The success the team enjoyed this season was a result of the efforts and passion of Patrick and his staff in creating a culture that has raised the standards and expectations of the program. Because of his leadership, our loyal and dedicated fans and everyone who supports Penn State men’s basketball are excited about continuing to build on the successes of the program and the development of our student-athletes.”

For Chambers the extension give he and his staff, which is expected to see at least one departure in the coming weeks, a chance to continue its long but steady march forward. The Nittany Lions have become a formidable force on the recruiting trail, in particular in Philadelphia and have won at least 15 games each of the past five seasons.

While unstated in the release, administrators will undoubtedly expect a similar kind of trajectory over the remainder of the contract which now officially expires following the 2021-22 season. Barbour has long stated that she has wanted to see improvements in Big Ten play, which by in large has occurred.

Critics of Chambers' tenure will point to an otherwise underwhelming overall career record at Penn State while supporters will point to improved recruiting, quality of play and behind the scenes improvements within the program. His entire tenure, now set to enters its eighth year, its what you make it.

Whatever side fans might be on, Chambers will get at least a few more years to prove his worth in a job that will never be easy, nor as simple as some might hope.

"Building a championship basketball program at Penn State has been our mission since day one and we have made significant progress toward reaching that goal,” Chambers said.

“I want to thank my former and current players who have committed to our staff and the culture of the program. And I especially want to thank their parents and families who have bought into our vision. The foundation for our future has been set! I am grateful to have the support of the administration, the students, local communities, and from Penn Staters everywhere. It has helped us elevate Penn State basketball to a new level, and we are confident the best is still yet to come.”

While they were meeting one last time outside the former Bon-Ton store at the Nittany Mall, a group of longtime employees was approached by a FedEx delivery driver who had dropped off many packages to the store through the years. It was one more person to say goodbye to.

It has been a difficult couple months for the team at the Bon-Ton, and Monday may have been the hardest day yet. After the stor